India to upgrade Nepal's security apparatus

As Nepal fights grimly mounting Maoist violence, India on Sunday assured assistance to upgrade the neighbouring country's security apparatus, including the police, to effectively deal with the scourge of terrorism.

The assurance was contained in a joint statement issued at the end of the five-day visit of Nepalese Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba to India.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh assured the support of Indio for further strengthening of Nepal's security forces, including the Nepal police, the statement said.

"The prime ministers reiterated the determination of the two countries in combating the scourge of terrorism. They agreed to further intensify cooperation in curbing the activities of the extremists.The two prime ministers stressed the need for early conclusion of the extradition treaty and agreement on mutual legal assistance on criminal matters and asked the home secretaries to take up the matter in the next meeting in Delhi in October.